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A wonderful seaside resort in the middle of Chaweng

The Centara Grand Beach Resort is my idea of a perfect 4.5-star beach resort in that it is located directly on the beach but at the same time is in (about) the middle of the largest beach area (Chaweng) in Koh Samui. Another nice feature is the green area between the resort rooms and the beach, which provides a very relaxing atmosphere. The beach at this resort is one of the best in Koh Samui (note, however, in the off-season the high tides result in a reduced beach area). In other words, the location is ideal for those who love the special qualities of the beach but who also enjoy an exciting nightlife. Another great feature of this resort is that you do not hear noises from the discos/restaurants/clubs during the evenings or later at night: you are like in two different worlds at the same time but you can switch one off to enjoy the other. Some reviewers mentioned there was noise from the streets, so be careful about the room you get. The pool was very nice and located close to the sea, which I found relaxing. We did not use the spa because I tend to avoid paying the unwarranted high prices. The gym was not 4-5 star quality in my view, but then when on holiday one doesn’t need to work out in a high-tech gym. We had a one-bedroom suite with sea view that was...The Centara Grand Beach Resort is my idea of a perfect 4.5-star beach resort in that it is located directly on the beach but at the same time is in (about) the middle of the largest beach area (Chaweng) in Koh Samui. Another nice feature is the green area between the resort rooms and the beach, which provides a very relaxing atmosphere. The beach at this resort is one of the best in Koh Samui (note, however, in the off-season the high tides result in a reduced beach area). In other words, the location is ideal for those who love the special qualities of the beach but who also enjoy an exciting nightlife. Another great feature of this resort is that you do not hear noises from the discos/restaurants/clubs during the evenings or later at night: you are like in two different worlds at the same time but you can switch one off to enjoy the other. Some reviewers mentioned there was noise from the streets, so be careful about the room you get. The pool was very nice and located close to the sea, which I found relaxing. We did not use the spa because I tend to avoid paying the unwarranted high prices. The gym was not 4-5 star quality in my view, but then when on holiday one doesn’t need to work out in a high-tech gym. We had a one-bedroom suite with sea view that was quite spacious and nicely designed and arranged. The room was obviously recently refurbished, which was very fortunate for us because other guests have complained about warn out rooms. The balcony swept around the entire suite, giving a very wonderful ambience as well as an excellent view of the sea and hotel grounds. The bathroom was large and practical. I therefore recommend the one-bedroom suite over the deluxe rooms (I’ve stayed in the deluxe room on a previous holiday). We did not take a package that included breakfast on this trip, but I know from earlier trips here that the breakfast is very nice. The restaurants in general are quite pricy and may explain why we saw few people dining there. Another reason may well be all the much cheaper restaurants to choose from in the Chaweng area. For the most part, the staff personnel were very friendly and dedicated to serving the guests. However, there were some instances in which I felt the staff showed insufficient skills, especially in their language proficiency. Thus, make sure you explain very carefully what you need from them. Please note there are stray cats on the resort grounds. This could be a problem for those with a “cat” allergy (I’m told...More

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Stayed: November 2012, travelled with family

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Ask lshapspro about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

1 Thank lshapspro

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We have just returned from 2 weeks at this resort. We arrived mid morning and check in was very swift and we were taken straight to our room in block 8. This was quite a long way from the main reception / resteraunt areas but it was quiet and peaceful. No noise from the main road except for when you were walking along the corridors.Our room was spacious, clean & tidy and had amazing views of the gardens, pool and beach.It was explained to us that if we wanted to deposit money with the hotel to use in the bars / resteraunts that they would also give us some free credit ( worth asking about if it isnt mentioned to you at check in ) Staff were very friendly and attentive. They worked very hard especially during heavy rainfalls to ensure rooms didnt get flooded.The location is excellent. It is far enough away from the main center of Chewang( which can get very noisy especially in high season ) but you can walk into the center in 10 - 15 mins.There are lots of bars and resteraunts directly outside the hotel and we tried quite a few of them - all very good and reasonably cheap. There is an English Bar ( Rose & Crown) to the left of the hotel which does good food and directly oposite there is a tiny Thai eatery ( looks like the ladys private kitchen) but well worth a visit. ( very cheap and very good food)There is also a very good Indian Resteraunt called Noori ( bit expensive but some of the best Indian food I have ever had)Breakfast was excellent and catered for all needs with a huge selection ( Fresh Fruit. Cereals, Pastries, Juices, cold meats, bacon/ham, eggs)The pool bar did good food and not overly priced. Their club sandwiches & Chicken Satay were excellent. Cocktails also good here although some staff need lessons in cocktail making. One day I had frozen Margeritas made which were hardly frozen at all and had no salt around the glass. We ate in the Seaview Terrace for lunch. Their lunch boxes are a MUST. Great idea and wonderful food.We also ate in The Palm Grove which again was excellent.The Deli is a must - especially on a Dull day. Good coffee, great sandwiches & cakes.Like all hotels, prices were higher than normal but the quality was very good.The beach was beautiful and kept clean by hotel staff.It was my birthday during out stay, and a birthday cake was delivered to our room which was a lovely surprise.Overall it is hard to fault this hotel. Yes it possibly is more expensive than other hotels in the centre of the resort, but it is worth it to be away from the noise of the centre.Definately would return to this hotel without hesitation

Room Tip: Aim for a high level floor. Block 7 or 8 seems quieter

Stayed: November 2012, travelled as a couple

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Ask 788Jay about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

Thank 788Jay

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

I have just spent 2 weeks here and in my opinion it is possible one of the best places to stay in Chewang. It is far enough from the town centre to be quiet but within easy walking distance (or short taxi ride) of the main attractions. The food was excellent and the staff really friendly and helpful. Although the bathroom fixtures were old fashioned they were in keeping with the character of the resort. The grounds were in excellent condition and the pool area well designed. There was easy accessto the beach and plenty of sunbeds available (jut not that much sun). I would be more than happy to return for another holiday.

Room Tip: Rooms on the beach side on floor 2 or above have better views.

Stayed: November 2012, travelled with family

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Ask Tohrm about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

1 Thank Tohrm

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

first time to Thailand and we have to say it was absolutely great! the location of the hotel is very good , there are shops and restaurants near by. the staff very friendly and helpful. we had a private pool room ,it was gorgeous! white sand and crystal clear water, we would go back there again for sure, 10 out of 10 from us!

Stayed: November 2012, travelled as a couple

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Ask Claudia_Eduard about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

3 Thank Claudia_Eduard

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Have been coming to Koh Samui for the last twenty years or so and have stayed in a lot of places on Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. In spite of Chaweng's incessant commercialization and over building, keep coming back because of the beach and trust me there is no place on Chaweng better than this hotel if you want good beach and great sea. Further up the beach the reef will mean more weedy and pebbly sea and very little beach. However, do keep in mind that in the off season the sea is up in high tide leaving no beach and water that is not as inviting.

I remember the time the Central (as it was known then) opened and us hard core Chaweng beach regulars would complain as this was the first high rise (only 4 stories) on the beach. However, what it also provided was much more space, both on the beach side as it has the biggest frontage, and in the grounds. You do not find too many hotels with a resort feel on Chaweng.

Over the years it has been kept in fairly good condition. Rooms, pools, health club/sauna, grounds and service. The restaurants, specially the Thai, are all good but pricey. Plenty of options just a short walk away if you don't mind getting into the thick of Chaweng.

Worth the price!!

Room Tip: Recently renovated room away from the street side noise

Stayed: December 2011, travelled with friends

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Ask LondonZulu about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

2 Thank LondonZulu

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Little disappointed regarding the kids club which was just an small room with a few old toys. However, didn't really use it because all the kids were playing on the beautiful sandy beach and splashing around the pool. We went in August and there were plenty of school kids for our 7 year-old to make friends with. Breakfast bar was fine and the evening selection varied and interesting. Room was spacious and good enough - didn't need the private pool room for sure. Not cheap but certainly recommend this place for a 10 days or so chill out.

Room Tip: One Bedroom Suite was plenty of space !

Stayed: August 2012, travelled with family

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Ask andykinlay about Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

2 Thank andykinlay

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC